Court hears Falcarragh man thanked gardaí for ejecting group

Wed, Apr 17, 2013, 22:20

Stephen Maguire

A pub-owner who thanked gardaí for ejecting a group of late-drinking teachers from his premises has been fined €750 for breaching the licensing laws.

Alex Hamilton appeared before Falcarragh District Court in Co Donegal. The court heard that when gardaí called to The Loft Bar in Falcarragh on May 30th last year they found a group of teachers drinking after hours.

Solicitor Fiona Brown told the court the teachers had been at an end-of-term Mass and went out celebrating.

She said her client found it difficult to get the teachers off the premises and told gardaí he was grateful they had arrived.

Judge Conal Gibbons said it was the first time he had heard of a publican blaming his clients. “Doesn’t he know that the customer is always right?” he asked. “I have always found the teaching profession to be most compliant and law-abiding.”

Judge Gibbons noted Mr Hamilton had a “terrible record” when it came to licensing matters. He warned Ms Kelly her client could put his licence in jeopardy if he came before the court again on licensing matters.